Concealing Cords: A Tidy Home Office

Keeping your home office neat and organised can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing computer cables. Luckily, there are plenty of simple and effective solutions to hide those unsightly wires and create a tidy workspace. From cable boxes and sleeves to clever use of furniture and decor, here's an overview of the best ways to conceal computer cables in your home office.

Use a cable box to hide power strips and adaptors

Using a cable box to hide power strips and adaptors is a great way to keep your home office neat and tidy. Here are some tips on how to use a cable box effectively:

Choose the Right Cable Box

First, you need to select a cable box that is the right size and style for your needs. Cable boxes come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and bamboo. They also come in different colours and designs, so you can choose one that blends in with your home office décor. Make sure to measure your power strip and adaptors before purchasing a cable box to ensure that they will fit inside comfortably. Some cable boxes also come with additional accessories, such as cable clips, wire ties, and wall hooks, which can be useful for managing your cables.

Set Up the Cable Box

Once you have your cable box, it's time to set it up. Place the box next to your computer or under your desk, or mount it on the wall using the included hook or adhesive. If you're using a freestanding box, simply put it in the desired location and feed your cables through the entry/exit slots. If you're using a wall-mounted box, you may need to drill holes in the back of your furniture to feed the cables through.

Organise Your Cables

Now it's time to organise your cables. Place your power strip and any adaptors inside the cable box, and feed the main cable through one of the holes. Use cable clips or wire ties to bundle your cables together and run them out through the other side of the box. This will give you a neat and tidy replacement for your messy power strip.

Maintain Safety

While cable boxes are a great way to hide your power strips and adaptors, it's important to prioritise safety. Make sure to use a cable box made from fire-retardant and impact-resistant materials, and ensure that there is adequate airflow to prevent overheating. Avoid plugging high-voltage devices, such as hair dryers or space heaters, into the power strip inside the box. Also, be cautious when running cables under furniture or rugs to prevent tripping hazards.

Use cable sleeves to group multiple cables together

Cable sleeves are a great way to keep your home office space neat and tidy. They are especially useful if you have a lot of wires running in one direction, as they can be used to group multiple cables together and hide them from view.

Cable sleeves with zippers are a neat and safe option for your home office. They keep your wires organised and protect them from damage. You can also use multiple cable sleeves to separate and identify different groups of cables.

If you have a lot of cables, you could use cable sleeves to group together cords for similar devices, such as your laptop and keyboard, or phone and tablet charging cables. This makes it much easier to manage and hide all the cords at once.

You can also decorate your fabric cable sleeves in different colours and patterns to give them a nice look that matches your office.

Hide cables behind furniture or a rug

Hiding cables under a rug is a great way to keep your home office looking neat and tidy. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Plan the layout of your office

Consider where your desk will be positioned in the room. If it will be against a wall, you can easily hide your computer cords by placing your desk near an electrical outlet. This way, the cords won't have to travel a long distance, and they won't be visible or distracting. However, if you prefer to have your desk in the centre of the room, you'll need to be more creative with your cable management.

Identify the outlets you will use

Decide which wall outlet you will use for your electronics. Choose the outlet that is closest to your desk and allows for the easiest connection to your devices. This will help minimise the length of cords needed and reduce the visibility of cables.

Position your electronic components strategically

The placement of your computer monitor and other devices on your desk can make a difference in cable management. If possible, angle your monitor towards the outlet to reduce the length of cables needed. Alternatively, you can drill a hole in your desk and run the cables underneath, or use decor to obstruct the view of cables.

Decorate around the cords

Strategically place decor items on your desk to hide cables from view. Taller items, such as fresh flower arrangements or potted plants, can effectively disguise cables while adding a touch of elegance to your office. Just be mindful not to clutter your desk too much.

Determine the cable path

Decide on the path your cables will take from your devices to the outlet. Use zip ties or cable sleeves to group multiple cables together, making them look neater and easier to manage. Run the cables along the back of your desk or underneath it, securing them with adhesive clips or cable channels.

Use a rug to hide floor cords

If your cords must run across the floor, a decorative rug is an excellent solution. Place the rug so that it covers the cords, creating a cosy and stylish workspace. If you're concerned about damaging the rug, you can make a small slit in the rug to feed the cords through. Alternatively, use a cord protector under the rug to provide breathing room and protect the cords from damage.

Use cable clips to guide and secure cables

Cable clips are a great way to guide and secure your computer cables. They are usually self-adhesive, allowing you to stick them onto the back of your desk or the legs of your table. This creates a path for your cords to travel along, keeping them from tangling and effectively tucking them away.

Cable clips come in a variety of colours and designs, so you can find ones that match your style and decor. They are also versatile and can be used in various ways to manage your cables. For example, you can use them to neatly tuck cables under your desk, hold up power boxes, or even as hooks for long cables that need to be easily unraveled.

If you are managing multiple cables, you can use cable clips to group them together. Gather all the cables that need to travel from your desktop to the floor and use cable clips to guide them to a centralized location, such as behind one of the legs of your desk. This will make it easier to manage them together.

If you have thick desk legs and the cable clips do not fit all the way around, you can get self-adhesive zip tie holders. These attach to the side of the furniture and allow the zip ties to pass through, providing another way to secure and guide your cables.

For a more secure option, you can use zip ties to bind the cables together and then attach them to the leg of your desk. Just make sure to position the cables in the least obvious place and wrap the zip tie around the desk leg and the cables to keep them in place.

Shorten long cables with zip ties or cable ties

If you're looking to shorten long cables, zip ties or cable ties are a great solution. They're versatile, inexpensive, and can be found at any hardware store. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use them effectively:

First, gather your cables and zip ties. You can use zip ties of any colour, but if you want to get creative, opt for colourful cable ties to add a decorative touch to your home office. It's also a good idea to get a variety of sizes to accommodate different cable thicknesses.

Now, lay out the cables you want to shorten and measure the desired length. Leave a little extra cable for flexibility, but generally, you'll want to cut down those lengthy cables that tend to get tangled or lie around looking messy.

Once you've determined the ideal length, it's time to loop and secure. Take a zip tie and wrap it around the cable, tightening it securely but not too tightly to avoid damage. You can also use cable ties with a built-in locking mechanism for added convenience.

If you're working with multiple cables, you can bundle them together using zip ties to create a neat and organised look. Group similar cables together and secure them with a zip tie every few inches to keep them tidy.

For a more decorative approach, try using Velcro cable ties. These come in various colours and can be cut to size, making them ideal for customising your cable management system. They're also reusable, so you can adjust and rearrange your cables as needed.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a crochet chain stitch to shorten your cables without cutting them. This method involves creating a series of slip knots to hold the cables in place while still allowing for easy length adjustments.

Remember, cable management is essential for a clean and organised home office. By taking the time to shorten and organise your cables, you'll not only improve the aesthetics of your workspace but also reduce the risk of tripping over loose cords.

Frequently asked questions